tonight instead of focusing on how budget cuts would affect the pentagon, we're told president obama will focus on the middle class. cuts to headstart, research and thousands of government jobs. >> his emphasis on the needs to continue jobs or have our manufacturing sector expand, that work isn't done. >> reporter: in the audience tonight the parent of a slain chicago teenager who had just marched in the inaugural parade, underscoring the president's gun control. the president is expected to address immigration reform, a move that may have more impact outside washington. >> the goal is to move public opinion because that's what moves congress. >> reporter: lawmakers and former lawmakers on both sides say his clear focus must be the budget. >> if we don't get it under control fairly soon, and have congress and the president lead us in this area, then we will end up with a nation that is insolvent. >> reporter: republicans are already criticizing what happens after tonight's speech. president obama hits the road, three cities in three days to push his agenda. >> mr. president, if you'r